The Cardiologist's Wife

Pimento Cheese, Not Your Grandma's Spread

Pimento cheese is one of those foods that has been so corrupted by the food industry that it has become synonymous with other crappy foods like Spam. I'm not even certain what store bought pimento cheese might contain, nor do I want to find out. It's a shame because pimento cheese can be a delightful treat, even if it does Read the full post…

Plum Good BBQ Sandwiches

In a few days it will officially be fall but the temperatures are still warm enough for me to continue swimming for a few more days. The breeze was a little cool but that didn't stop me from swimming several laps this morning and I felt great afterwards! Have you exercised lately? With fall's cooler temperatures and fewer insects, you Read the full post…

Shingles Vacine and Treatment

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with shingles so I felt I should discuss this nasty virus once again. If you ever had chicken pox, you are at risk for getting shingles and believe me, you don't want it. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters that scab over and may take 4 weeks or more to heal. The Read the full post…

Vegetarian Tacos are muy delicioso!

There are times when I think I could easily become a vegetarian, especially when I try a new dish that is as good as the vegetarian tacos I had at Local Lime restaurant in Little Rock and the tofu fried rice at Sai Tai here in Jonesboro. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this past weekend by spending Read the full post…

Midyear Health Check

Summer is winding down , the year is more than half way over and our January resolutions are long forgotten. It's time for a health reality check. First of all, how is your health lately? If you have enjoyed good health, are you thankful? Take some time to appreciate how wonderful it feels to be healthy, for your family to Read the full post…

Vacation Lessons For A Healthier Life

I'm back from a lovely beach vacation and I wish I was still there with all my heart. Wouldn't it be nice if our every day life was as nice as a vacation? If we could relax, eat well, sleep and exercise just enough without having to worry about bills, work, illnesses and school, our lives would be perfect. But Read the full post…

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Better Breakfasts – Blueberry Quinoa Parfaits

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on June 26, 2012 ][ In Breakfast, For new Mom's, Snacks and Appetizers ]

One of the things I hope to show with my blogs is how easy it is to eat better and be healthier. You don’t have to be a trained chef or spend hours in the kitchen to produce a nutritious meal. Simple food is the best food. Instead of reaching for that bag of chips or nuking a Hot Pocket, why not grab some carrots sticks, grapes or slap a yogurt parfait together in about the same time? Don’t you get tired of the same, greasy, nasty taste of processed foods after awhile? Sure they do taste good, at least at first, but something fresh really awakens the taste buds. I just found this great breakfast parfait on one of my favorite blogs, Closet Cooking. I have written about this blog before and while he isn’t as health conscious as I am, he seeks out good food with fresh ingredients. Sometimes you don’t have to worry about nutrition when you use lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat, it just happens! (As soon as I figure out how, I’m going to add a link to his blog on my website.) I’m going to share this recipe because it is super nutritious and easy.

Don’t think this will take a long time to prepare in the morning when you are rushed to get to work and maybe get kids off to somewhere. You can make the whole thing the night before and leave it in the fridge. Because it’s hot, really hot, right now, a cold breakfast hits the spot. If you use Greek yogurt, it is loaded with protein which will keep you full much longer than those Cheerios or worse, a granola bar. If blueberries aren’t your thing, peaches, bananas, mangoes, any fruit you like, will be great too. Use almonds or walnuts if you like, just toast them right before adding them as the flavor is soooo much better when you do.

A word about quinoa as many of you many not have heard of it. Quinoa is a grain loaded with good for you things like antioxidants, anti-inflamatories, calcium and heart healthy fats. Pronounced “keen wa”, it can be found in the health food section of many grocery stores like Kroger or at health food stores. It cooks up fast and can be used in a variety of ways; main dishes, breakfast, salads, etc.

Blueberry Quinoa Parfaits

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups water

brown sugar to taste, about 3 Tbsp.

blueberries

Greek or regular vanilla yogurt

1/4 cup or less of coarsely chopped pecans

Bring water to boil in a medium sauce pan and add quinoa. Return to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer until all water is absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in brown sugar. Place in refrigerator until chilled. Layer yogurt, quinoa, and blueberries in a cup or glass. Top with toasted pecans. Enjoy! The original recipe didn’t call for any sugar but knowing my family, I knew it would go over better with a bit of sugar. Not too much though!

My son was lukewarm about this but he did eat it all, my daughter somewhat better and my husband raved about it.

Upadated on June 26, 2012

One Response to “Better Breakfasts – Blueberry Quinoa Parfaits”

Faye Cox says:

June 26, 2012 at 7:31 pm

Lisa, this combines my favorite ingredients so of course I know I’ll love it! I eat blueberries EVERY day, love quinoa & Greek yogurt, and pecans are my fave nut. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.

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